Born: June 15, 1949
Known for: A multisport star at Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, Dusty Baker played for four major league baseball teams and managed two teams.
Background: Born in Riverside, Johnnie B. Baker Jr. moved with his family to Sacramento at age 15. He starred in football, basketball, baseball and track at Del Campo, where he graduated in 1967. He attended American River College until he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves, for whom he played through 1975. The outfielder had his best years with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1976-1983), when he made the All-Star team twice and played in the World Series three times. He later played for the Giants and A's before retiring in 1986 with a .278 lifetime batting average and 242 home runs. He was the Giants' batting coach and became their manager in 1993. He managed the Cubs from 2003 to 2006. Today he is a baseball analyst for ESPN.
A highlight: Baker was named National League Manager of the Year three times (1993, 1997, 2000) and led the Giants to the 2002 World Series. He was named to the Sacramento Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
In History's Spotlight profiles of Sacramento newsmakers were published originally in 2007 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of The Sacramento Bee. They were written by Anthony Sorci. Look for them every Sunday in Sac History Happenings.
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